Gourd-Shaped Bottle
Gourd-shaped vessels were popular in the Ming imperial court in the sixteenth century, especially in the Jiajing period, when the emperor was known for his fervent interest in Daoism. Gourds and bottles in their shape were thought to hold the elixir of immortality for Daoist deities. The shapes, colors, and textures of gourds seemingly appealed to Moore and his design staff, who made a number of vessels that take their shape or feature them as decoration.
Artwork Details
- Title: Gourd-Shaped Bottle
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jiajing mark and period (1522–66)
- Date: mid-16th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: H. 6 in. (15.2 cm); Diam. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); Diam. of base 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
- Object Number: 91.1.379
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
early 15th century
China
mid-16th century
China
late 16th century
China
late 15th century
China
mid-16th century
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